Oxidative stress effects in the uterus, placenta and fetus of pregnant rats submitted to acute and chronic stress

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of oxidative stress in pregnant rats submitted to acute and chronic stress, relating to alterations in the uterus, placenta and fetus. Methods: Twenty-four female Wistar albino (Rattus norvegicus), were divided into four groups, for induction of oxidative stress the animals were submitted to cold and physical immobilization. Plasma fasting glucose and MDA were determined in all groups and the fetuses and placentas were measured. Results: There were no statistical differences in the levels of malonic dialdehyde (MDA), however the averages of chronic stress group were higher compared to control groups, which could explain the observed adverse effects; there was no correlation between puppies' size, the weight of the placenta and MDA values. Conclusions: Chronic stress causes adverse effects, when compared to control groups; chronic stress group had fetuses, placentas and number of puppies, significantly lower compared to other groups. The rats exposed to chronic stress, also presented a higher frequency of fetal resorption.

Correlação entre produção agrícola, variáveis clínicas-demográfcas e câncer de próstata: um estudo ecológico / Correlation between agricultural production, clinical and demographic variables and prostate cancer: an ecological study

ResumoFatores de risco para câncer de próstata são pouco conhecidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar correlações entre variáveis relativas à produção agrícola, ao uso de serviços de saúde e sociodemográfcas e às taxas de mortalidade por câncer de próstata entre 2005-2009, nos estados brasileiros. Foi efetuada análise univariada dos dados espaciais para investigação de autocorrelação espacial global das taxas de mortalidade por câncer de próstata nos estados brasileiros entre 2005-2009. Procedeu-se a análise bivariada da correlação entre variáveis sociodemográfcas, de produção agrícola, de utilização de serviços de saúde e de hábitos alimentares e as taxas de mortalidade por câncer de próstata. As produções de soja e milho correlacionaram-se positivamente com mortalidade por câncer de próstata. Na análise de regressão linear espacial múltipla, as variáveis que apresentaram associação com a taxa de mortalidade por câncer de próstata foram toneladas de soja produzidas (p = 0,030), proporção da população com 80 anos e mais (p < 0,001) e consumo de bebidas (p < 0,001). Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva entre toneladas de soja plantada e mortalidade por câncer de próstata. Sendo possível a existência de uma relação entre exposição a agrotóxicos e câncer de próstata.

AbstractRisk factors involved in the etiology of prostate cancer are not well known. The objective of this study was to explore correlations among variables relating to agricultural production, the use of health services, food consumption and socio-demographic characteristics and prostate cancer mortality rates in Brazilian states. Univariate analysis of spatial data for investigation of global spatial autocorrelation in prostate cancer mortality rates in Brazilian states between 2005 and 2009 was conducted. Using bivariate analysis, the correlation between socio-demographic indicators, agricultural production data, variables related to the use of health services dietary intake variables and prostate cancer mortality rates were examined. The production of soybeans and corn were positively correlated with prostate cancer mortality. In multiple linear spatial regression, the variables that showed an association with mortality rates from prostate cancer were tons of soybeans produced (p = 0.030), proportion of the population aged 80 and over (p < 0.001) and consumption of beverages (p < 0.001). A positive correlation between tons of soybeans planted and mortality from prostate cancer was identifed, suggesting the possible existence of an association between exposure to pesticides and prostate cancer.